Hyacinth's Adoption Story Video

Next week our Hyacinth will turn one, and I am already getting very sentimental about it. I know that this one year mark is often a difficult time for birth mothers, and Hyacinth's sweet birth mom has been constantly in my thoughts as this day gets closer. I made this video of Hyacinth's adoption story both for her to be able to watch each year as she grows and also for her birth mom to have as well. She loved it and said that I could share it, so here it is. This precious girl is so loved and is such a gift to us and each of her big siblings. Quite simply, we adore her.

Hyacinth's Adoption Story Video

Gethsemane Turns Six

Oh Gethsemane. I don't think you will understand what a gift you are until you are a mother yourself. I need to write down all the sweet special things about you so that you can read it someday. You are quite simply the perfect child. Sweetness pours out of you. You rarely misbehave, and when it happens once in a blue moon it is usually just because you are tired.  I call you "My right hand girl" because you are always wanting to help me around the house. You are so responsible and mature and a little mother to Bosco and Hyacinth. Bosco can't get away with anything with you around. He adores you and wanders around like a lost lamb when you aren't here. 

You love "Mommy time" with me when we spend time just the two of us. You love it when I teach you sewing and baking, and are desperately excited to learn how to read this year. You say that your favorite thing to do is look through your baby box. I think that you love to touch the little tangible reminders in there of how very cherished you are by both our family and your birth family. Of all my children you have the most questions about adoption. You bring it up often and I can see you swirling things around in your brain, trying to process it. You love them and know they love you, but you are trying to understand the why and how of it more now. Your mind is always working. You have been agonizing lately over what you want to do when you grow up, never mind that such a decision is years away. You want to be a Mommy, but don't want to get married and leave me, since you want to live with me forever, or at least live in the house next door. You informed me the other day that you have finally come to a decision. You have decided that after college you are going to live with me forever, and bake me pancakes in the morning and we will go running together and have tea. "Unless God wants me to get married," you added at the end. 

You think ahead and save every penny you get. I love how decisive you are. You choose quickly and don't look back once you do. You are loyal to your core. Anytime you compliment someone else's food, you are always sure to tell me, "but I like yours best, Mommy." Food is your other great love, especially anything in the bread family. Scones or pancakes are heaven on earth to you.

I was so happy that you still wanted a crown this year. You wanted a horse cake, blueberry and peach pancakes for breakfast, enchiladas for dinner, and for your birthday activity you picked to go to the local spa down the street and get a pedicure with Verity. You lit up when you saw your cake and asked if you could keep the sign when we were done.

Sweetheart, I can't put into words how much I love you. I cried when Randi first placed you in my arms, and I still have tears fill my eyes when I hold you and think about how much I love you. I just marvel at the beauty that you are, and that I get to be your mother. 

Happy Birthday!

The Last Year

Well this is certainly the longest  I've gone without blogging! We've had a very busy and blessing filled year since I last posted. Here are the highlights:

We welcomed our daughter Hyacinth Clemency Veil, born on October 5 in Texas.

Her new siblings fell promptly in love with her.

The kiddos were Charlotte's Web characters for Halloween.

Hyacinth was baptized.

                                                                   Verity turned seven!

We celebrated our first Christmas in our new home.

                                                             
                                                                          Easter

                                           Adjusted to our wonderful new life with four kids.

                                                     Verity received her First Holy Communion.

                          We've been enjoying every moment watching this little sweetheart grow!